The new Komando.com

I clicked on a link in a newsletter and it didn't work! What can I do?

You were looking at an old newsletter that linked to the old site. Links in current newsletters work on the new Komando.com. If there's a specific older article you're looking for, just go to Komando.com and search for it from the black “Search Komando.com…” box at the top of the page.

Some articles are missing a picture or contain odd characters. Why?

When we launched the new site, we transferred an archive of more than 15,000 (!) articles from the old site to the new. There are a few glitches in older content. We'll be fixing them as time goes on.

Where is the printer-friendly link?

Don't worry; it's there as promised. On a multipage article, scroll down until you see the “View All” button. Click that button to see the entire article on one page.

You will still see the site header, ads and other content surrounding the text. However, if you actually print the page, only the text will print.

General

Is Kim Komando her real name?

Says Kim: "YES! Komando really is my last name, and I carry my birth certificate to prove it! My grandparents came to America from the Ukraine, and their name was shortened at Ellis Island. It dates to a late 16th century group of marauding Cossack warriors - or something like that!"

Where can I listen to Kim on the radio?

Kim is on nearly 450 stations across the country. Use the Station Finder to find out how you can listen to Kim in your area. If Kim's show isn't broadcast in your city, join Kim's Club to listen and watch whenever you want!

Can I send an email to Kim? Will she read it?

The answer to both questions is "yes." However, due to the number of messages she receives, a personal reply to every message just isn't possible. Click here to email Kim.

How can I send Kim a press release?

Does your site use cookies?

Yes. Cookies let us remember your preferences between visits, which means you can get right to reading your favorite articles. However, we don't use tracking or third-party cookies. Read the Privacy Policy for further details.

Are Web bugs used on Kim’s site?

No. Web bugs are tiny images embedded in Web pages that track a user’s online activities. This site uses small, static images as design elements only. Some security programs may misidentify such images as Web bugs.

What are all those Google AdSense ads? Does Kim endorse them?

No. Kim does not endorse Google’s AdSense advertisers. Kim only endorses products with which she is familiar. We run AdSense ads to support the large number of tips, buying guides and news reports we generate for our readers.

Some of the ads seem misleading. Can’t they be screened?

Google screens ads appearing in its AdSense network, although according to Google some ads may run before Google's AdWords staff has had the opportunity to screen them. Additionally, we kick advertisers off our site when we notice an ad we don’t like, or when we receive a complaint from our visitors. Should you have a complaint, please report it here. Remember to include the full name of the advertiser and its Web address (URL), if possible. We will remove ads with inappropriate or misleading content. You can also complain to Google on this complaint form.

Email Newsletters

How do I choose which newsletters I receive?

Kim's Club members
Log in to your Kim’s Club account here. Select the Newsletters tab and uncheck the newsletters you do not want to receive. Click Update.

Non-members:Method 1: Open a recent email newsletter you received from Komando.com. At the bottom, click the link that says, "Manage your email newsletters." Check the newsletters you wish to receive and click the Update button.

Method 2: Go here and enter the email address that receives the newsletters. You will receive an email from us with a special link. Click the link to visit the newsletter management page. Select the newsletters you want to receive and then click Update.

How do I change the email address where you send the newsletters?

Kim's Club members:
Log in to your Kim’s Club account here. Next to your email address, click the "edit" link. Enter a new email address and then click Update.

Non-members:Method 1: Open a recent email newsletter you received from Komando.com. At the bottom, click the link that says, "Manage your email newsletters." Uncheck every newsletter and then click the Update button.

Then, go to the home page and scroll down to find the blue box that says "Subscribe to Kim's Free Newsletters." Enter the new email address where you want to receive the newsletters and click Subscribe. You'll receive an email to confirm your subscription. Click the link on the email, and then select the newsletters you want to receive at that address. Click Update when you're done.

Method 2: Go here and enter the email address that receives the newsletters. You will receive an email from us with a special link. Click the link to visit the newsletter management page. Uncheck every newsletter and then click Update.

Then, go to the home page and scroll down to find the blue box that says "Subscribe to Kim's Free Newsletters." Enter the new email address where you want to receive the newsletters and click Subscribe. You'll receive an email to confirm your subscription. Click the link the email, and then select the newsletters you want to receive at that address. Click Update when you're done.

What do you do with my email address?

Kim’s newsletters come with her 100 percent spam-free guarantee. Your email address will never be sold.

Kim’s newsletters are also 100 percent Can-Spam compliant. You may opt-out at any time, either by clicking here or by sending an unsubscribe request via postal mail to the address included on every email.

I signed up for your newsletters but have not received them.

When you sign up for my newsletters, you are automatically sent an email to confirm your subscription. Click on the link inside that email to confirm your subscription.

If you've already done that, check your spam or junk mailboxes to make sure they aren't getting routed there. If you use Gmail, click here for more directions.

If at any point you are still not receiving Kim's newsletter emails, please make sure that the Kim Komando newsletter email addresses are on your approved email list or in your email address book. Some email programs and many spam filters allow you to create an approved list of friendly addresses.

You can simply add "lyris.komando.com" and they should all make it through.

Here are the specific email account "names" and addresses used to send the newsletters to you:

How do I view newsletters in a larger font?

In the upper right corner of the Newsletter, click the “View this email as a webpage” link. An HTML version of the newsletter will open in your default Web browser.

In most browsers you can press CTRL (CMD on a Mac) and the plus key ("+") to increase the font size. CTRL/CMD and the minus key ("-") decreases the font size and CTRL + 0 (zero) returns it to normal.

You can also hold down the CTRL key and use the scroll wheel on your mouse to increase or decrease the font size.

Kim's Shop

This is my first time in Kim's Shop on the Komando.com site. How do I use it?

For your convenience, we use a virtual "shopping cart" to help you order items online. This virtual shopping cart works much like a real shopping cart - it collects items you want to purchase until checkout time!

Simply browse the shop, and when you see a photo of an item you'd like to learn more about, just click on it and it will take you to the product description page. If you choose to buy the item, simply type in the quantity (Qty), then, if applicable, select the color and /or size. You can also change the quantity you would like to purchase by clicking on the up and down arrows in the quantity box; up for more, down for fewer.

Then click the "Add to Cart" button and the item is added to your cart. After you have finished browsing and adding each item you would like to purchase to your shopping cart, click the little shopping cart icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and click the yellow "Checkout" button.

You will be taken to a screen that displays the items you intend to order, as well as a subtotal. At any time during the ordering process, you may edit a product in your cart -- including changing the quantity, size and/or color. You can even remove an item.

You can also add an item to your "Favorites" List and it will be saved until you're ready to order it! The Favorites List is a handy tool to use when you see something you'd like to buy someone as a present in the future.

You can make purchases in Kim's Shop quicker in the future by selecting the "click here to register" link under "Checkout" -- it's fast and you'll only have to do this once. Just click the link and follow the screen prompts to set up your profile. This will allow you to keep track of purchases and access tracking information for your orders.

For the security of your payment data, we NEVER store your credit card information (you'll always have to re-enter it). You will create a password to enter the next time you visit Kim's Shop, so be sure to write it down!

You will have an opportunity to send your order to a different address from your profile at checkout--ideal for gift giving!

You may use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit or debit cards. You will need the security code from the card to complete the purchase. A receipt will be sent to the email address you provide when your purchase is complete. You will also be sent a notice via email when your order ships.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Kim's Shop accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit or debit cards as payment. For your online shopping security, we never store your credit card information. You will always be prompted to re-enter your payment information when making a purchase at Kim's Shop.

How do I ship an order to an alternate address?

When checking out, the "shopping cart" page will provide you with the opportunity to select or add a shipping address under the "Shipping Information" section. Just click the drop-down arrow and select "New Address" from the list to add new shipping address. Then, continue following the screen prompts down the page to compete your purchase.

How can I track an order?

Just login to Kim's Shop at shop.komando.com. On the "My Dashboard" page, scroll down to the "Recent Orders" section. There you can review the shipping status of any completed order you have placed in Kim's Shop. Just click the order number on the left to see the full order details.

How long will it take for my order to arrive?

Please allow up to two business days for order processing, plus your order selection shipping time.

The shipping time for your order will depend on the shipping option you select. Ground shipping takes approximately 5-10 business days to arrive. See Kim's Shop Terms & Conditions more details.

Can I alter or cancel an order?

Our goal is to pack and ship your order as quickly as possible; therefore, we ask that you please contact us as soon as possible if you discover a need to alter your purchase. Please keep in mind that although we have a processing window of two business days, your order may be shipped out much sooner.

If an order revision request is made after hours and prior to shipping, the requested change will be made on the next business day if possible.

To change or cancel an order you must call 1-800-KOMANDO (1-800-566-2636), Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. MST. Outside of regular business hours, please leave a voice mail message and include your full name, order number and the changes you would like to make. Orders cannot be altered once they have been shipped.

I'm having trouble logging in to Kim's Shop. What can I do?

Registering in Kim's Shop is needed in order to log in. If you are a new customer or have only made purchases as a guest previously, you have not yet secured a profile for log in. (Please note: Kim's email newsletter subscribers are not automatically registered.)

To register in Kim's Shop, just follow the instructions under the topic "This is my first time in Kim's Shop on the Komando.com site. How do I use it?"

If you have registered in Kim's Shop when placing an order before and are still having trouble logging in, please be sure you have double-checked your records. You may be using a different email address or password than the one you previously provided. If that's not the case, you can click the "Forgot your password?" link to request a password reset.

And don't forget, customer service can be reached at 1-800-KOMANDO (1-800-566-2636), Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. MST or by email at store-support@komando.com for further assistance.

My credit or debit card payment was declined. Why?

Incomplete purchases due to failed transactions can occur for a number of reasons. Please make sure the billing address on file matches your credit card payment address on file with the issuing credit card company or bank.

Please also take care to ensure that the card number, expiration date and credit card verification number you have submitted was correctly typed into the system. Any discrepancy may result in an unsuccessful transaction.

If your payment was declined, please contact the issuing credit card company or bank. Declined transactions are generally at the discretion of the issuing credit card company or bank. We do not have the ability to approve or deny those transactions.

Is my credit card information safe?

Your shopping experience at Komando.com is on a secure server for privacy and security. If registered in Kim's Shop, we remember your billing and shipping information so that you never have to re-key it--but we NEVER store your credit card information (you'll always have to re-enter it). You will create a password to enter on future visits, so be sure to make note of it!

I have a coupon code from one of Kim's Insider Newsletters. How do I use it to get a discount?

If you receive a Newsletter advertisement for Kim's Shop, we generally require you to enter a promotion code on the "Shopping Cart" page to receive the discount. The bottom of the advertisement should also provide you with specific directions on how to receive the discount. Discounts can only be honored for purchases made on the date of the advertised sale and on the advertised items.

Please be sure to enter the promotion code in the "Coupon Code" section at the bottom portion of the Shopping Cart page. You will need to click "Apply" before proceeding to checkout.

The discount will then be reflected in the subtotal.

How do I get coupon codes for Kim's Shop?

Kim's Shop at Komando.com offers various promotions regularly. If you are a Kim Komando email newsletter subscriber, you will receive notices regarding Kim's promotions. If you are not currently signed-up to receive Kim's newsletters, please visit www.komando.com and click on the "Get Kim's Free Newsletter" link, at the top of the page.

Staying subscribed to the newsletters will ensure that you are informed of sales and other promotions. Although we cannot guarantee the sale price of any particular items, please watch your email inbox for upcoming deals.

How do I return a product?

Please read through full Kim's Shop return information found in the Kim's Shop Terms & Conditions. You can also contact customer service directly for return authorization instructions at 1-800-KOMANDO (1-800-566-2636), Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. MST or by email at store-support@komando.com.

What is the "Favorites" feature?

You can add an item to your "Favorites" List (instead of your shopping cart) and it will be saved until you're ready to order it! The Favorites List is a handy tool to use when you see something you'd like to buy someone as a present in the future.

Merchandise Vendor Inquiries

If you are interested in submitting a product for consideration, please send your catalog, brochure, photos or product, (including a current price list), to:

Or, you can email your URL to store.admin@komando.com for a speedier review. We may request a sample of your product to be reviewed by the Kim's Shop product testers.

Please note that we are unable to return samples. We will contact you for further information regarding your product should we have any questions.

Kim's Picks - Komando Branded Products

I own the Komando Dual Lens Dash Cam. Can you give me some tips for using the cam?

Of course! The Komando Dual Lens Dash Cam is a great product with many features. Here are some tips for getting the most out of it.

Powering On
First ... Please be sure you have completed the initial charging of the unit for 6 hours, via your computer's USB port. You can use a wall outlet if you have your own USB-to-wall plug adapter. Powering on requires holding down the power button in the lower-right bottom of the camera for a full 3 seconds.

SD Card
If your SD card is not being recognized by the Komando Dual Lens Dash Cam, please make sure it has been inserted completely. Inserting the SD card requires a full inward push with your thumb, (or edge of the thumbnail), until it clicks into place. To remove the SD card, simply push the card in with your thumb, (or edge of the thumbnail), again and the card will release and pop out.

Memory Allowance
The Komando Dash Cam will hold an SD memory card up to 32 GBs. Recording time will vary based on the settings you have set the camera on and the size SD card you are using. A 32GB SD card will net roughly 6 hours of constant video. (A 32GB SD memory card is included with the Komando Dual Lens Dash Cam.)

Screen
The screen resolution is 720P HD. If your Dash Cam screen looks damaged or cracked, please check the screen for a protective plastic film. Just lift and remove the protective film from the camera screen. This should alleviate any cracks or scratch marks you see. (If it does not have a plastic film, do not attempt to pull anything off as it may scratch the screen.)

Camera Details
The cameras have a resolution of 1280 x 480 and 640 x 480 and capture 30 FPS (frames per second).

Lighting
The lights on the Dash Cam are infrared lights which help you record video in low light settings. They will not be visible to the naked eye when lit, however, there is an image of a yellow moon that will indicate you are using night mode and the infrared lights are in use.

Image & Video Deletion *
Images and videos can be deleted directly from the camera by performing a format:

Press the MENU button

Press the down button until "Format" is highlighted

Press OK then use the up or down button to highlight "Yes"

Press OK *

* Please Be Careful: Performing a format will delete ALL contents on the SD card, including locked videos.

Loop Recording
An SD card will record in a 45 minute cycle continually dropping the oldest footage. The camera then has a g-sensor and a panic button -- when pressed/activated, the camera will lock the current video for one minute before and after -- these videos can only be deleted by formatting the SD card. Upon playback on your computer, you can save the videos in 2 minute increments or as one full video up to 2GB.

Sound & Volume
The best sound from the videos you record will be heard in playback mode on your computer where external settings can be altered. When playing the video back on the cam itself, there is a limited amount of volume the unit will be able to play back, but it should be relatively comparable to the unit you have received.

Time Display
The Date/Time-display at the bottom of the screen, (or dual display), is always visible when recording. This camera was designed to always display the date and time at the bottom of the screen.

Icons
If the flashing image of a globe with a clock and exclamation mark appears, that is the "no GPS found" icon. To remove that icon, simply follow these steps:

Kim's Club

What is Kim’s Club?

Kim’s Club premium members get complete and exclusive access to everything on Komando.com. You can watch or listen to any of Kim's shows at your convenience, read Kim's vast archive of Tips, Downloads, Buying Guides and how-tos on virtually every aspect of your digital lifestyle. Additionally, you get automatic contest entry and can participate in Kim's lively and active forums, where members share tips and tricks on a variety of issues. Choose between Kim’s Club basic and premium membership options to fit your budget and lifestyle.

How do I change my billing info?

Log in to your Kim's Club account at http://club.komando.com/account. You can update any billing information, including credit card number, address and email address.

I will be going on vacation. Can I place my membership on hold until I return?

Sorry - we can't interrupt your subscription. Of course, you can access your membership account anywhere the Internet is available. You’ll never miss a thing!

How can I change my password?

Log into your Kim’s Club account at http://club.komando.com/account. Under Password, click the "Change" link. Enter your current password, and then the new password. Enter the new password again to confirm it and click the Change button.

I forgot my password. What do I do?

Click here to reset your password by email. Enter the email address you used to subscribe to Kim’s Club. You will receive an email with a link that says "Click this link to reset your password."

Click the link and enter a new password. Then log in using your email address and new password.

How can I change my screen name?

You can't. The screen name you chose when you signed up for Kim's Club is permanent.

I'm switching to a new email address. How can I update my Kim’s Club account?

Log in to your Kim’s Club account at http://club.komando.com/account with your subscribed email address and password. On the Home tab, find your old email address. Next to the old address, click the "edit" link. Enter your new email address in the "email address" field and then click Update. This will also update your email address for the daily email newsletters.

I moved and my billing address is now different. How do I change it on my account?

Once the old address is removed, click the "Add an address" link and enter your information. Then click Create.

I have a dial-up connection. Can I still use Kim’s Club?

A dial-up connection will give you longer download times for Kim’s podcasts or other downloads. Otherwise, there is no difference in your membership.

How do I log out of Kim's Club?

Go to the black bar at the top of the Komando.com site and click the "Sign Out" button.

How do I renew my Kim’s Club membership?

If your card is still good when your billing period expires, it will renew automatically. Otherwise, log in to your account at https://club.komando.com/account, go the Credit Cards tab and enter your new card information. You will then have the option to start your Kim's Club subscription again.

How do I cancel my Kim’s Club membership?

Log into your Kim’s Club account at https://club.komando.com/account. On the Membership tab, look under Membership Status. You will see a link to cancel your subscription. Click it and follow the instructions.

If you must go, please cancel your subscription at least 5 business days before your next scheduled auto-renewal date to avoid an automatic renewal charge.

You may also discontinue your membership by phone or traditional mail. (We can't process termination requests via email.) Call our Customer Service number at 1-800-KOMANDO from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, Monday through Friday, or contact us via postal mail using the address below:

How do I upgrade/downgrade my Kim's Club membership?

You can upgrade or downgrade at any time you wish. Log into your Kim’s Club account at https://club.komando.com/account. On the Membership tab, under the Upgrade/Downgrade section.

When you upgrade, your credit card on file will be billed on a pro-rated basis for how much of the month is left.

When you downgrade, your recurring billing will switch to the cost of the Basic plan starting the next billing cycle.

How can I watch The Kim Komando Show using a stand-alone streaming player such as Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast or Xbox One?

Kim’s Club is a membership-based service that requires secure login access to the Internet via Komando.com. Proprietary streaming players like the ones mentioned do not have the ability to differentiate between members and non-members, so the service cannot be accessed this way. However, almost all new televisions have a port for an HDMI cable now. You can use that port to connect your television to your HDMI-ready computer and viola; you can login to your Kim’s Club account and watch The Kim Komando Show online right on the big screen.

This article may help you decide the best route for accessing your computer using your television. Don’t forget: Both your computer and television must have an HDMI port for this to work.

How do I watch Kim’s live show?

How do I watch Kim's live production?

We film every episode of the Kim Komando Show with eight HD cameras and stream the live production – it's a blast to produce, and to watch. Want to join in the fun? Sign up for Kim's Club.

Once you're a member, you can go here to log in. In the navigation bar, go to The Show>>Watch Now. Then click the button that says, “Click here to watch Kim's show.”

Please note you will need the most recent version of Adobe Flash Player and a connection speed greater than 296Kbps in order to enjoy the show.

When is the show?

Kim broadcasts her live production every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern time, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pacific.

Can I watch it on demand?

Of course. Kim’s Club members can watch each Saturday's show on demand starting at 1 p.m. Saturday eastern, 10 a.m. Pacific time.

Make sure your computer is at least five years old, as older systems may not be able to handle the processing power that our stream requires.

If you are on a portable device, please make sure you've updated to the latest versions of your system's software. Also, make sure you're using the fastest connection available to you -- usually, this will be your Wi-Fi in your home.

You can also adjust the quality of the stream by clicking on the set of numbers next to the "Kbps" text on the bottom of the player, just to the right of the blue barber pole. The lower numbers should ease any network related symptoms, while the higher numbers will give a better quality experience.

You can also test the connection to our content provider, in case you're still having issues. Click here to go to Bitgravity's suite of network testing tools.

Do I have to be a Kim's Club member to hear the podcasts?

Do I have to have a portable media player to hear the podcasts?

No, they are available in MP3 format. You can download them to your computer and play them with Windows Media Player, iTunes or any other program that plays MP3 files.

How do I get the most recent Podcast?

Once you've logged in as a Kim's Club member, in the navigation bar, choose The Show>>Listen to the Show.

From there, you can listen to the most recent podcasts, or download them to your computer.

How can I get your archived podcasts?

The best way is through iTunes.

Once you subscribe to the podcasts, make sure you are on the Podcasts page in iTunes. An arrow will be pointing at the podcast to which you subscribed. Click the arrow (a small gray triangle) to open the archived list of podcasts. Click the GET button next to the podcasts you want to download.

Whenever I listen to your podcasts, my iTunes always fades at the end or they overlap and I miss some of your information. What can I do to fix it?

Your Crossfade Playback could be active. This will fade the ending of the current podcast and fade into the beginning of the next. To turn it off, click Settings on your Podcasts page. Select the Playback tab. Remove the check next to Crossfade Playback and click OK to save the changes.

I no longer want to get your podcasts. How do I stop getting them?

Oh no! Say it ain’t so! To stop receiving podcasts, go to the Podcasts page in iTunes. Highlight the podcast you no longer want and click Unsubscribe.

How far back do the podcasts archives go?

The archives of my weekend show go back three months or at least 12 shows. And new episodes are added weekly!

I am frustrated with the Apple Podcast app. Every time Apple updates my iPhone or iTunes, things go wrong. I keep seeing “Episode Unavailable. This episode is temporarily unavailable from The Kim Komando Show.” How can I get this resolved?

Unfortunately, you can't use Apple's Podcast app to download The Kim Komando Show or Kim's Digital Minutes podcasts. Even though Apple says the app works with password-protected podcasts, it doesn't. My amazing technical team has tried to get it working several times without success, and it's a known problem that plenty of other sites have.

Until Apple comes through with a fix, you have a few options.

Install another podcast app, like Downcast ($2.99). This works for many of my listeners.

Download the podcasts to your computer and transfer them to your iPhone using iTunes.

Stream the podcasts right from the website to your phone. You'll need a solid Internet connection, of course.

If you want to go for option 2 or 3, here are the instructions:

When logged in to Kim's Club, click on the "The Show" tab, then "Listen" as illustrated below:

The "Listen Now" page will give you instructions on how to download podcasts with iTunes. You can also listen to any recent podcast from that page.

Note: When iTunes or another podcast app asks you to log in to download the podcasts, please make sure you use your current Kim's Club email address and password. If the podcasts don't download automatically in iTunes, click "Refresh” icon, shaped like a circular arrow, in the upper left area of the screen. It's located under the “Controls” menu of the iTunes screen.